Last night a gang of bandits laid siege on the town of Kajuru and targeted the symbol of traditional authority, the Emirate in particular, and bastardised the Household and took the Emir along with 14 others, including women and children.
I have chosen to write through this medium, first, due to the fact that my earlier letters which touched on the insecurity were not acknowledged. Secondly, to draw the attention of our silent representatives; Hon Samuel Uban Kato, Hon. Ishaku Chawaza ,Hon Yakubu Barde, and Sen Uba Sani to their glaring nonchalant attitude since the escalation of the events around their constituencies and the Federal Government for their handling of the insecurity challenge – with a whole Minister calling on people to defend themselves!
I do agree that, with less than 150,000 military personnel on active duty and less than 450,000 on police roster and probably less than 30,000 on the DSS and other security personnel, the Country is undermanned based on our Landmass and population. I do, also, agree that our equipment are inadequate. However, I DO NOT AGREE that these gangs operating in the country freely outmatch the the Security personnel and the equipment we have.
I may agree with Mal Nasir on non payment of ramson to kidnappers. However, Government has a responsibility to act whenever there is a situation. “Do Nothing“ in adverse situation has no place in governance. People held captive must be freed. There is no excuse and no explanation for anything else if Americans can come in rescue one soul in our land and we cannot rescue hundreds.
Our nation is under siege. Each state should have a War or Big Crime Situation Office to combat this menace. Except for North East that is facing Boko Haram, 10,000 assigned personnel each for Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kebbi to work in synergy should eliminate this threat. The personnel that are stationed mostly in and around flash points in these areas should have, by now gathered enough intelligence for effective combat.
It is sad that events such as the one in Kajuru last night and in a school on the way to Kajuru last week and another one earlier in Kajuru where students were taken are still unsolved despite the presence of the military personnel in Kajuru now for the purpose.
The consequences of this level neglect in providing the main reason for government- Security, Law and Order is what has retarded the Nation. Now we are faced with food insecurity and national disunity.
The statement of the President promising to give the gangsters back in the language they speak and understand is not here yet. We expected that yesterday. Let the Military Chiefs, the AIG and other Security Heads know that these miscreants have tested their will and resolve enough. Infact, that’s what they said in many recordings we have listened. On our part, don’t let us loose faith in your will and capacity. I call on you to do the needful. Enough is Enough!
May Allah deliver and protect us. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
